Tory MPs need their safety valve more than ever

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Cameron’s move against the 1922 was an unnecessary error that may return to haunt him

Last week members of the House of Lords were signing in as usual at the
beginning of a new Parliament. I found the mood of the House quite changed
from before the general election. Then there had been a sour depression
caused by the expenses scandals and collapse of confidence in the
Government; Labour was expected to lose the election, as it did. The Lords
was not as deeply depressed as the Commons, but the mood was similar.

On Wednesday, the feeling was more cheerful. No doubt Labour peers regretted
the defeat, but they had been expecting it for two